Download the chicago regional the chicago regional green transit plan

THE
CHICAGO REGIONAL
GREEN TRANSIT PLAN
May 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS
About Us
The Chicago region’s transit system is
comprised of the Regional Transportation
Authority (RTA) and three operating
agencies—Chicago Transit Authority
(CTA), Metra and Pace.
The RTA system covers six counties – Cook,
DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry and Will in Northeastern Illinois, with a population of
over 8 million people.
As the third largest public transit system
in the nation, the agencies provide more
than two million rides each weekday and
operate more than 5,000 vehicles over
7,200 route miles.
�
�
�
�
RTA provides funding, planning and fiscal oversight
for regional bus and rail operations.
CTA provides bus and heavy rail service in the City
of Chicago and neighboring suburbs.
Metra provides commuter rail service throughout
the region.
Pace provides bus service in the suburbs and
between the suburbs and the City of Chicago,
as well as paratransit and vanpool service in the
entire region.
Introduction
1
Climate Change and the Chicago Region
3
Transit – A Green Transportation Choice
5
Growing Ridership and Market Share
7
Promote Transit-Oriented Development
9
Improve Operational Efficiencies
11
Greening the Transit System
13
Adapting to a Changing Climate
15
Transit – An Essential Green Investment Strategy
17
Summary
19
Contact
20
2
Introduction
The Chicago region is faced with the challenge of maintaining and strengthening its position
as a global economic center. To meet this challenge, the region needs to remain environmentally,
economically and socially sustainable. As a key component of sustainability, a well-utilized,
reliable and safe transit system can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, spur economic
development and improve mobility for residents, employees and visitors.
Public transit plays an integral role in making Chicago one of the most sustainable regions
in the country. The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA), Chicago Transit Authority
(CTA), Metra and Pace comprise the third largest transit system in the country, operating
over 5,000 vehicles over 7,200 route miles. More than two million transit rides are taken
each weekday on a system whose assets are valued
at more than $36 billion.
ENVIRONMENTAL VALUE
Transit in the Chicago region saves more than 750
million gallons of gasoline each year, keeping more
than 6.7 million metric tons of greenhouse gases from
being released into the atmosphere. By removing
over one million cars from the road every weekday,
transit reduces gasoline and diesel consumption and
reduces the amount of toxic pollutants being emitted
into the air.
SOCIAL VALUE
The RTA system is one of the few 24-hour transit systems in the United States, allowing
residents and visitors to travel to jobs, schools, doctor appointments, shopping and recreational
activities at all hours of the day. High quality public transit is linked to improved physical
health, as transit riders generally take part in higher levels of physical activity than non-riders
and obesity rates tend to be lower in regions with high transit market share. Transit is also
linked to improved mental health, as transit commuters have been found to have lower stress
levels than commuters who drive to work.
In summer 2011, the RTA launched the Regional Priorities Initiative to advance a collective
vision for the region’s transit system that aims to enhance the customer experience, increase
transit ridership and improve the efficiency of the transit system. Building on this effort the
Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan quantifies
the environmental benefits of public transit in the
region and provides a roadmap for how transit can
help improve the sustainability of the Chicago
region. The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
identifies a series of strategies to achieve the
transit agencies’ goals of increasing the greenhouse gas emissions benefits of transit, using natural
resources more efficiently, reducing environmental
impacts of construction and maintenance, and promoting the growth of transit-oriented communities.
ECONOMIC VALUE
Transit can save households in the Chicago region up to $11,500 annually.1 The RTA system
attracts businesses and jobs to the region, as more corporations take into account access to
quality transit when considering where to locate new offices and recruit new talent. Additionally,
land near rail stations and major bus stops enjoy significant land-value premiums and generally
outperform competitive residential markets.
1
http://www.publictransportation.org/tools/transitsavings/Pages/default.aspx
The implementation of this plan will require the
cooperation and collaboration of many stakeholders.
Enhancing transit will not only help make the
Chicago region more environmentally sustainable,
it will also help the region strengthen its position as a global economic center.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Introduction
1
4
Climate Change and the Chicago Region
Greenhouse gas emissions - measured in metric
tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e)
– are both natural and man-made. Due largely to
burning fossil fuels, increasing deforestation and
development, atmospheric carbon dioxide levels
have increased 25% in the past century. This
dramatic growth has contributed to rising global
temperatures, rising ocean levels and more frequent
instances of severe weather around the world.
and spring could see significant increases in
precipitation, resulting in flooding along the
region’s river system. The frequency of severe
storms will likely increase, which can have impacts of transit operations across the region.1
Without aggressive action, climate change could
have significant physical and financial impacts in
the Chicago region. Higher temperatures and more
frequent heat waves could lead to higher rates of
illness and death, especially for children, seniors
and people with pre-existing health conditions.
Increased electricity use and precipitation could
stress the region’s power and water infrastructure
systems, potentially resulting in blackouts and
higher electricity and water costs. A changing
climate could also raise the cost of living and
doing business in the region, as homes, office
buildings, roadways, bridges and transit systems
become more expensive to operate and maintain.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
a further reduction to 60% below 1990 levels
by 2050. The Chicago Climate Action Plan and
Go To 2040 Plan, the region’s comprehensive
plan, recommend citywide and regional
greenhouse gas emissions reductions of
25% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80%
below 1990 levels by 2050.
Governments throughout Illinois recognize the
potential danger that climate change presents and
have begun taking steps to deal with the potential
negative impacts. In recent years, a series of greenhouse gas emission reduction targets have been
established at the state, regional and local levels.
The Report of the Illinois Climate Change Advisory
Group proposes a statewide reduction of greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, and
Growing public transit ridership and expanding transit service are highlighted as essential
strategies for achieving greenhouse gas emissions
reduction targets and improving the region’s
sustainability in each of these reports. The
following pages quantify the current environmental benefits of transit in the Chicago region
and show how these benefits can grow.
Monthly Average Temperature
Chicago Midway Weather Station
Locally, the Chicago region has begun to experience
the impacts of a changing climate, which are projected to intensify over the next few decades. Since
1980, annual average temperature in the Chicago
region has increased 2.6°F and heat waves have
occurred more frequently. The number of annual
heavy rainfall events has doubled since the 1970’s.
Without significant reductions in global carbon
emissions, scientists project that by the end of
this century Chicago’s climate could be dramatically altered. Summers will be characterized
by prolonged heat waves and little rain. Winter
90
1991-2010
1961-1990
80
70
Source: Chicago Climate Action Plan
Monthly Average Temperature (○F)
Climate Change and the Chicago Region
3
60
50
40
30
20
“Climate Change and Chicago: Projections and Potential Impacts”. November 2007. http://www.chicagoclimateaction.org/file
bin/pdf/report/Chicago_Climate_Impacts_Report.pdf
1
10
0
JAN
FEB
MAR
Source: Illinois State Climatologist
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
6
Transit – A Green Transportation Choice
Each year, a total of approximately 130 million
metric tons of carbon are produced in the Chicago
region. Transportation emissions, which come
from the consumption of fossil fuels and electricity
needed to power cars, trucks, buses and trains,
account for 30% of all regional emissions. The
region’s public transit system, which produces
1.2 million metric tons of carbon annually,
accounts for only 3% of transportation emissions
– or less than 1% of overall regional emissions.
Beyond producing only a fraction of the region’s
greenhouse gas emissions, a well-utilized public
transit system can actually help lower total
regional greenhouse gas emissions. In addition to
being more emissions-efficient than a car or SUV,
public transit reduces congestion and supports
compact development. In 2008, the Chicago
region’s public transit system saved nearly 6.7
million metric tons of carbon from being emitted
into the atmosphere. That is equal to 5.5 times
Transit saves 6.7 million metric tons of carbon each year
What does that equal?
the amount of carbon produced by transit. Without
transit, the region’s drivers would consume 750
million more gallons of gasoline and drive 32
million more miles each year, requiring over 30
additional highway lanes.
Since public transit in Chicago saves more
carbon than it produces, a primary goal of RTA,
CTA, Metra and Pace is to increase the ratio of
emissions saved versus emissions produced,
rather than reduce transit’s carbon footprint,
since a small increase in transit’s carbon
footprint typically results in a significantly
greater decrease in the region’s carbon
footprint. This is true because additional
transit service generally leads to fewer cars
on the road, reduced congestion and more
compact land development.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan focuses on the following three primary strategies that
can increase the greenhouse gas emissions reduction benefits of transit in the region:
GROW RIDERSHIP AND MARKET SHARE
In 2010, over 633 million transit rides were taken in the Chicago region. Each weekday,
62% of all work trips to the Chicago central business district are made on CTA, Metra
and Pace. Expanding the use of innovative technologies to enhance the customer
experience, upgrading transit system with state-of-the-art vehicles and facilities and strategically
enhancing and expanding transit service across the region will attract new transit customers
and entice existing customers to ride the system more frequently.
OR
PROMOTE TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT
= 25,000 cars
OR
1,000,000
cars annually
= 1,000 railcars
OR
36,500 railcars
of coal
IMPROVE OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY
OR
= 20,000 barrels
15,581,000
barrels of oil
Transit-oriented developments (TOD), characterized as high-quality, compact,
mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented development around transit stations, increase transit
ridership and make communities more livable. TODs help reduce greenhouse gas
emissions by promoting bicycle, walking and transit trips, as well as shortening trips for those
who choose to drive. Further coordination, education and outreach between the transit agencies
and the public and private sectors can help further grow TOD in the Chicago region.
Between 2005 and 2008, the carbon efficiency of transit service improved 5%.
This improvement was a result of increased fuel efficiency and energy conservation
measures. Increasing vehicle fuel economy, investing in technologies that conserve
electricity and utilizing renewable energy can allow the transit agencies to emit fewer carbon
emissions per vehicle and passenger mile.
= 10,000 homes
Annual energy to power
580,100 homes
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Transit – A Green Transportation Choice
5
8
Growi n g R id e r shi p and Mar ket Sha re
Between 2005 and 2008, transit ridership increased
8% in the Chicago region. In order to further grow
ridership and capture a larger share of the travel
market, the transit system must continue to
operate in a safe, reliable and cost-effective
manner. The implementation of new technologies,
upgrades to transit infrastructure and strategic
service enhancements will attract new customers
to the region’s transit system and encourage
existing customers to ride more frequently.
IMPLEMENT TECHNOLOGY
The implementation of innovative technologies
for transit can attract new riders to the system by
enhancing the customer experience. RTA, through
enhancements to its multi-modal trip planning
website, goroo.com, provides customers with a
user-friendly one-stop shop for regional travel information, including trip plans, schedules, travel alerts
and real-time transit arrival information. Building off
the success of CTA BusTracker, CTA TrainTracker and
Pace’s WebWatch, Metra will launch a web-based, realtime train arrival system in 2012. In addition, a new
regional fare payment system is expected to be implemented by 2015, allowing customers to pay their fares
using credit and debit cards on CTA, Metra and Pace.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Growing Ridership and Market Share
7
UPGRADE INFRASTRUCTURE
Upgrading the region’s existing transit infrastructure
with state-of-the-art vehicles and facilities can help
grow market share by making transit a more attractive option for commuters. CTA is purchasing 706
new rail cars that will provide a smoother, more
comfortable ride due to a new power system and
regenerative braking. In conjunction with a project
to replace 22 bridges on the Union Pacific North
Line, Metra is rehabilitating the existing Ravenswood
Station in order to provide modern station amenities
at one of its highest ridership stations. Pace is
upgrading bus stops across the region, making
them more inviting and accessible by adding
concrete pads, installing shelters, pedestrian
walkways and other passenger amenities.
Building new rail stations and bus facilities makes
transit more accessible and can attract new riders.
In 2011, Metra opened the 35th St. / “Lou” Jones Station on the Rock Island District Line and CTA began
construction of new stations at Morgan (Green/Pink
Lines) and Skokie-Oakton (Yellow Line). Planning
and engineering work for new infill Metra stations
(Romeoville, Auburn Park and Peterson/Ridge)
and new Pace park-n-ride facilities is underway.
The new CTA Morgan Station and Metra’s planned rehab of the Ravenwood Station will help grow transit ridership.
ENHANCE SERVICE
The implementation of strategic service enhancements can help grow ridership and market
share by making transit a more viable option
for customers. In November 2011, Pace initiated
the region’s first bus-on-shoulder operations on
I-55, between the southwest suburbs, the Illinois
Medical District and Downtown Chicago.
Allowing buses to bypass highway congestion in
regular traffic lanes by riding on designated
shoulders provides riders with travel time savings
and greater reliability. The implementation of Bus
Rapid Transit on Jeffrey Boulevard, the Northwest
Tollway (I-90) and in other corridors will provide
premium transit service in corridors that are
currently served by standard bus service.
Longer term extension and expansion projects
will bring enhanced transit service to underserved
parts of the region. CTA’s proposed Red, Orange
and Yellow Line extension projects would
expand CTA’s rail system to parts of the region
that lack rapid transit service. Metra’s proposed
Union Pacific West and Northwest capacity
expansion projects would allow more express
trains and additional reverse commute trains to
operate, making the city-to-suburb commute easier
for customers along those lines. The development
of Pace’s Arterial Rapid Transit along Milwaukee
and Dempster Avenues would enhance bus service
along heavily traveled suburban corridors by
increasing bus speed and reducing travel times.
Initia tives: Grow R id ership a nd Ma rke t S ha r e
�
Real-time information allows
customers to know when their bus
or train will arrive.
Expand availability and dissemination of realtime information
�
Modernize fare payment systems
�
Bring system to a State of Good Repair
�
Build infill rail stations
�
Develop new regional park & ride facilities
�
�
�
�
Expand Bus-on-Shoulder Program
Implement Bus Rapid Transit and Arterial Rapid
Transit projects
Implement transit capacity improvement and
extension projects
Expand operating coverage area based on
market demand
9
10
Promote Transit-Oriented Development
The Chicago region’s comprehensive plan, GoTo
2040, emphasizes the need to develop communities that are compact, mixed-use and walkable,
in accordance with the six livability principles
established by the federal Partnership for Sustainable Communities in 2009. Livable communities
around transit – also known as Transit-Oriented
Development (TOD) – help reduce greenhouse
gas emissions by making bicycling, walking and
riding transit more viable, as well as shorten trips
for those who choose to drive. By producing
educational materials, providing technical assistance to local governments and engaging the
development community, the transit agencies
can help grow TOD implementation across
the region, further reducing carbon emissions.
PRODUCE EDUCATIONAL
MATERIALS
The RTA-led Regional Transit-Oriented Development Working Group, with representatives from
Livability Principles
�
Provide more transportation choices
�
Promote equitable, affordable housing
�
Enhance economic competitiveness
�
Support existing communities
�
�
Coordinate and leverage federal policies
and investment
Value communities and neighborhoods
www.sustainablecommunities.gov
the transit agencies, CMAP, IDOT, non-profits
and municipal staff has developed a series of
educational materials on different aspects of TOD.
Recent publications include reports on the economic and social benefits of TOD, zoning around
transit stations and strategies for improving access
and parking in TODs. Future educational materials,
including an update to Pace’s Development Guidelines that will support the planned Arterial Rapid
Transit (ART) program, will enhance the educational opportunities for communities throughout the
region to develop in a transit-supportive manner.
PROVIDE TECHNICAL
ASSISTANCE
RTA and CMAP currently administer programs
that provide resources to communities interested
in better integrating economic development, land
use and transportation. RTA’s Community Planning
Program has provided funding and technical assistance to almost 100 municipalities for developing
plans to transform areas around rail stations and
bus stops into vibrant, walkable, mixed-use
districts featuring higher-density residential
buildings and enhanced commercial development.
Through RTA’s TOD Implementation Technical
Assistance Program, communities with existing
TOD plans can receive assistance to update
their zoning ordinances and codes, as well
as streamline their TOD entitlement processes.
CMAP, through its Local Technical Assistance
Program, works with communities to address
local issues at the intersection of transportation,
land use, and housing, including the natural
environment, economic growth, and community development. Moving forward, the transit
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Promote Transit-Oriented Development
Transit-oriented development improves the livability of communities throughout the Chicago region.
agencies and CMAP should focus their technical
assistance efforts on working with municipalities
to implement strategies to make their communities
more livable. The continuation of the strong partnership between the transit agencies and CMAP will
help leverage the resources needed to promote
TOD and livability to all communities in the region.
ENGAGE THE PRIVATE SECTOR
and a new plaza was built next to the station,
improving the customer experience and making
the area more pedestrian-friendly. The Lake Cook
Transportation Management Association, a publicprivate partnership, works with local business,
Pace and Metra to fund bus service between
suburban Metra stations and office buildings,
allowing hundreds of workers to commute by
transit to their jobs along Lake-Cook Road.
In recent years the transit agencies have partnered
with the private sector to address State of Good
Repair issues, promote transit-oriented development
and grow transit ridership. RTA currently engages
the private sector as part of its TOD planning and
implementation efforts. Each TOD plan funded by
RTA includes a review meeting with developers and
real estate professionals to vet the plan. RTA also coordinates developer recruitment activities as part of
its TOD implementation efforts. Working with Apple,
Inc., the CTA’s North/Clybourn Station was renovated
Pursuing new public-private partnerships can
help the transit agencies leverage additional funding sources to help implement TOD and support
livable communities across the region. Enhancing
relationships with the private sector, including the
development and lending communities, would
provide the transit agencies with the opportunity
to further educate the private sector on the
benefits of TOD, as well as help the transit agencies
learn about the barriers to TOD implementation.
Initiatives: Promote Transit-Oriented Development
�
Expand TOD education outreach to development
and lending community
�
Develop new TOD education materials
�
Update Pace’s Development Guidelines
�
Work with municipalities to update zoning ordinances
and codes
�
�
�
Work with municipalities to streamline TOD
entitlement processes
Work with CMAP on implementing the Local
Technical Assistance Program
Enhance coordination with other agencies to
leverage resources
12
Imp rovin g O per a ti onal Effi ci enci e s
Between 2005 and 2008, the transit agencies
showed marked improvement in their carbon
efficiency. While transit service grew 6% and
transit ridership increased 8% during the four
year period, carbon emissions produced by
transit rose only 2%. The region realized
up to 5% gains in carbon efficiency due to
increased transit ridership and more efficient
transit vehicles. Further increases in vehicle
fuel economy, investments in technologies that
conserve electricity and natural gas, as well as
the expansion of renewable energy utilization
will allow the transit agencies to operate more
efficiently and reduce normalized carbon
emissions in the future.
INCREASE FUEL ECONOMY
The use of innovative engine technologies can
allow buses, trains and support vehicles to burn
less fuel and produce fewer carbon emissions
while providing the same level of service. CTA
currently operates a fleet of 228 hybrid electric
buses and uses compressed natural gas (CNG)
vehicles for many support functions. Recently,
Pace introduced two new hybrid fixed-route buses
and ten hybrid paratransit vehicles into service.
The transit agencies plan to further increase the fuelefficiency of their fleets by expanding vehicle idle
reduction technologies and training efforts, as well as
piloting additional innovative technologies such as
electric buses and GenSet locomotives.1 Metra was
recently awarded a series of grants to increase the
fuel efficiency of its locomotives by repowering and
retrofitting engines with fuel-efficient components.
CONSERVE ELECTRICITY AND
NATURAL GAS
The implementation of energy-efficient technologies
can help reduce emissions from electricity used
to power the region’s rail systems. CTA’s new
5000-series rail cars are equipped with energyefficient AC-power motors and utilize regenerative
braking, reducing the amount of electricity
needed to operate each train. Metra plans to
expand the implementation of high-efficiency
LED train signals, where feasible, to reduce
electricity use. Additional conservation can be
achieved through Metra’s planned purchase of
new Metra Electric District vehicles equipped with
regenerative braking and conducting studies on
GenSet locomotives replace a single large diesel engine generator with two or three smaller units. Coupled with engine control technology, GenSet locomotives allow for starting and stopping of one or more of the engines as their power is needed.
1
Improving Operational Efficiencies
Improving Operational Efficiencies
11
Solar-powered Pace bus shelters and hybrid buses helped improve the carbon efficiency of the transit agencies by nearly 5% between 2005 and 2008.
how to optimize the electricity needed to operate
the L and the Metra Electric District.
Transit facilities also offer opportunities to
conserve electricity and natural gas. Pace’s
new headquarters was constructed using
many green building best practices including
the installation of energy efficient lighting
and HVAC systems. The transit agencies can
also retrofit their facilities with energy-efficient
lighting, elevators, escalators and building
control systems as opportunities arise, and
expand the use of power-saving features on
computers and others electronics where
feasible. The transit agencies plan to jointly
purchase energy management software to
track energy consumption and identify
future conservation opportunities.
UTILIZE RENEWABLE ENERGY
The use of renewable energy at facilities can
reduce carbon emissions produced by the transit
agencies. CTA recently completed a 12.7 kilowatt
solar panel installation at the 95th/Dan Ryan station to supplement the station lighting, reducing
reliance on electricity generated from fossil fuels.
Pace has begun a program to install hundreds of
solar-powered bus shelters across the region
over the next few years. Opportunities to power
vehicles and facilities using renewable energy will
continue to be evaluated by the transit agencies
in the future as technologies are developed. Additionally, the ability to generate renewable energy
and participate in the renewable energy credit
marketplace could improve the environmental
sustainability of the transit agencies, as well as
potentially provide them new sources of revenue.
Initiatives: Improve Operational Efficiency
�
�
�
�
�
Pilot CTA electric buses
�
Study and pilot more fuel and emissions-efficient
locomotives and buses
�
Expand implementation of LED train signals,
where feasible
�
Conduct study on optimizing electricity consumption
of heavy rail and existing electric commuter rail
Install energy building management systems and
energy management software
�
Install energy-efficient lighting and control systems, and
retrofit lighting fixtures, where applicable
Improve energy efficiency of elevators and escalators
during modernization projects
Implement power-saving features on computers and
other electronics, where applicable
Study benefits and costs of potential opportunities for
the generation and use of renewable energy or the
purchase of renewable energy credits
14
Greening the Transit System
Transit’s role in improving the environmental
sustainability of the Chicago region goes beyond
reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Transit’s
consumption of natural resources can have an
impact on air and water pollution, public health
and quality of life for the region’s residents.
Reducing diesel emissions, conserving water
consumption and using materials responsibly can
help the transit agencies continue to be good stewards of the Chicago region’s natural environment.
REDUCE DIESEL EMISSIONS
Limiting diesel emissions can help lower the
risk of respiratory ailments for the region’s
residents. The transit agencies currently use
ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel to power their buses
and trains and have plans to install diesel
particulate filters on over 400 more buses
Metra has installed high-efficiency air filters
on its entire diesel fleet to stop soot and other
air pollutants from entering the train.
With the help of a federal grant, RTA, CTA and Pace
will work to optimize the region’s traffic signal
systems and expand transit signal priority1 in dozens of CTA and Pace corridors. Metra will reduce
locomotive idling by equipping twenty-four locomotives with automatic engine start/stop controls
using a federal emissions reduction grant, and
plans to implement this technology on its entire
fleet in the future. Future pilots of diesel exhaust
after-treatment technologies for buses and locomotives could help further reduce diesel emissions
from transit and improve regional air quality.
Transit signal priority is a technology that gives buses a little
extra green time or a little less red time at traffic signals.
1
CONSERVE WATER
RECYCLE
USE GREEN MATERIALS
Stormwater management is an effective strategy
to reduce transit’s impact on the region’s water
resources. Improvements made to the roof
at CTA’s North Park Garage funnel stormwater
directly into the Chicago River and reduce
pollutants entering the river. Future implementation of stormwater management techniques,
such as permeable pavement and rainwater
harvesting at applicable new and existing transit
facilities could further reduce runoff and
preserve the quality of the region’s waterways.
Transit system operations and maintenance consume
considerable amounts of material resources. The
transit agencies follow sustainability best practices
in many aspects of their operations, including recycling waste products, utilizing recycled materials
and conserving materials through efficiencies.
CTA, Metra and
Pace recycle
many of the waste
products associated
with transit operations and maintenance,
including tires, engine
oil, antifreeze, lead-acid
batteries and railroad ties.
The agencies also recycle
office waste and have
instituted scrap metal
recovery programs.
In recent years, the transit agencies have taken
advantage of the growing market of green products,
including those made from recycled materials.
Most transit maps, schedules, fare cards, tickets
and promotional materials in the region are
printed on recycled content paper. CTA has
replaced thousands of wooden rail ties with ones
made from recycled plastic. Revising design and
construction guidelines to incorporate additional
sustainability best practices, as well as the
development of a regional framework for further
incorporating sustainability into procurement
specifications and processes, could encourage
the transit agencies and potential vendors to
consider the environmental impacts of products
and services. The transit agencies could then
evaluate the life-cycle costs of green products as
they come to market, and pilot those that have
positive social, economic and financial benefits.
More efficient use of potable water could also limit
the impact that transit has on the region’s water
resources. CTA, Metra and Pace currently use water
reclamation systems that recycle up to 85% of the
water used for washing buses and trains at many of
their yards and garages. Improving the efficiency
of vehicle wash systems and retrofitting water
fixtures during facility upgrade projects could help
reduce potable water consumption. The installation
of additional water meters and building management systems would allow the transit agencies to
better manage their water consumption.
A green roof atop CTA’s headquarters building conserves energy
and reduces stormwater runoff.
Light bulb crusher used to process old bulbs into recyclable glass fragments.
Initia tives: Green the T ra nsit Sy stem
�
Install diesel particulate filters on CTA and Pace buses
�
Optimize regional traffic signal system
�
Expand Transit Signal Priority
�
Install AESS on all Metra locomotives
�
�
Metra locomotive equipped with Automatic Engine Start/Stop controls.
�
�
�
Continue compliance with anti-idling laws and
policies for revenue and non-revenue fleet
Pilot exhaust after-treatment technologies on diesel
locomotives
�
�
�
�
Install water building management systems and
improve metering of water usage
�
Implement stormwater management initiatives at
applicable new and existing sites
�
Improve efficiency of vehicle wash systems
�
Retrofit water fixtures at applicable facilities
when upgrades are made
Revise design and construction guidelines for
transit facilities.
Develop a framework for incorporating
sustainability into the procurement specifications
for agency departments
Perform cost and life-cycle analysis to determine
whether to expand use of environmentallyfriendly materials
Pilot new rail and road materials with right of way
partners where appropriate
Expand use of green cleaning products where
appropriate
Increase use of digital processing and filing
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Greening the Transit System
13
15
16
Adapting to a Changing Climate
1
The current elevated level of carbon emissions
in the Earth’s atmosphere means that significant
changes to our climate are inevitable. While
aggressive action to reduce global and regional
carbon emissions may lower the severity of
climate change impacts, recent weather events
and incidents are consistent with scientific
projections that the impacts of climate change
are already affecting the planet.1 The increased
frequency and severity of these events and
incidents have impacted transit agencies across
the country and within the Chicago region.
change, to ensure the future viability of their
transit operations and assets. Agencies including
New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority
and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
have conducted assessments of the anticipated
impacts of climate change and identified
potentially vulnerable assets.
If left unaddressed, the impacts of a changing
climate could impact the ability of CTA, Metra
and Pace to continue to provide safe and reliable
transit. To better understand the potential
impacts of climate change on their systems, CTA,
Metra and Pace are joining other transit operators
in taking proactive measures to adapt to climate
Extended periods of high temperatures can
cause railroad tracks and roadway pavement
to buckle and overhead catenary wires to lose
tension and stretch. Severe flooding resulting
from increased precipitation could impact bus
and rail service as roadways and rail rights-ofway could become impassable for buses and
The climate change effects that will most
likely impact CTA, Metra and Pace include
hotter temperatures, increased precipitation
and more frequent severe storms.
Federal Transit Administration;“Flooded Bus Barns and Buckled Rails: Public Transportation and Climate Change Adaptation”, August 2011.
trains. Storms with strong winds could cause trees,
power lines and other debris to fall on, or near, rail
lines, leading to service delays. Heavy snowfalls
could cause roadways and rail yards to become
impassable, as well as rail switches to freeze, limiting the ability to operate bus and rail service.
The effects of climate change are also likely to
impact transit customers and employees, as they
are subject to weather conditions at many of the
region’s bus stops, rail stations and maintenance
facilities. Extreme heat and heavy precipitation
could impact the quality of the customer experience and affect people’s health and safety. Hot
temperatures can make waiting for and traveling
on buses and trains uncomfortable, and could
affect outdoor construction and maintenance
workers. Heavy precipitation could impact the
ability for customers to access bus stops
and rail stations, and flooding at stations and
maintenance facilities could cause damage to
transit vehicles and equipment. Climate change
could potentially increase transit operating and
maintenance costs, raise safety concerns and
lower agency employee productivity.
To prepare for the projected impacts of climate
change on the Chicago region’s transit system,
the transit agencies should continue to develop
and implement plans to lower the risk of service
disruptions due to climate change. CTA recently
received a federal grant that will allow the agency
to develop an approach to identify and define
implementation plans for climate change
adaptation strategies for its assets and operations.
The integration of climate change adaptation with
asset management is a strategy that can help the
transit agencies sustain long-term transit ridership
growth and remain environmentally, financially
and socially sustainable.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
A d a p ti n g to a Chang i ng Cl i m a te
18
Tran s i t - An Essenti al Green
Inve s tme n t St r a tegy
As an essential part of making the Chicago region
more sustainable, the region’s transit system
reduces regional greenhouse gas emissions, grows
the region’s economy and provides mobility
options for the region’s residents, employees and
visitors. The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
reaffirms the commitment of RTA, CTA, Metra and
Pace to maximizing the environmental benefits
of transit and improving the sustainablity of the
Chicago region. The transit agencies will continue
to promote transit as a green transportation
choice, educate agency staff on environmental
best practices, monitor the region’s environmental
progress and pursue recognition for transit’s
environmental achievements.
However, transit’s potential as a regional greenhouse
gas emissions reduction strategy cannot be achieved
by the transit agencies alone. RTA, CTA, Metra and
Pace will need support from stakeholders across the
region and throughout the state, including elected
officials, advocacy groups, the private sector and
the general public. Growing transit’s contribution
to achieving the state and regional greenhouse gas
emission reduction targets is only feasible if communities continue to develop in a transit supportive
manner, funding for transit increases and customers
continue to ride our buses, trains and vans.
DEVELOP TRANSIT-ORIENTED
COMMUNITIES
There is a growing trend in the region for
locating housing near transit. The demand
for transit-oriented housing is expected to rise
significantly in the next decade, especially as
the types of households continue to change.
Improving existing communities around transit
and building new transit-oriented developments
throughout the Chicago region will lead to higher
transit ridership and market share.
While RTA, CTA, Metra, Pace and CMAP are
great sources for technical assistance, the
implementation and construction of transitoriented communities occurs at the local level.
Municipal officials, developers and the private
sector must continue to make land use decisions
that follow the principles of livability and
invest in ways that continue to support public
transit. By doing so, transit ridership and market share will continue to grow, increasing the
likelihood of achieving significant greenhouse
gas emissions reductions.
INCREASE FUNDING
RIDE TRANSIT
Despite transit’s important role in reducing
greenhouse gas emissions, funding for the
Chicago region’s transit system is inadequate.
CTA, Metra and Pace currently have a combined
backlog of over $10 billion in capital projects,
which is anticipated to grow to $14 billion by
2019. Further disinvestment in the region’s
transit system will lead to lower ridership
and market share as transit infrastructure
continues to deteriorate and maintenance costs
escalate, negatively impacting the quality and
quantity of transit service provided.
The RTA system provided more than 648 million
rides in 2011, the system’s highest ridership in
20 years. Growing ridership shows that more and
more people in the Chicago region value the
convenience, savings and environmental benefits
that CTA, Metra and Pace provide. Upgrading
the region’s transit infrastructure, implementing
new technologies and enhancing transit service
will attract new customers to the RTA system
and help ridership continue to grow.
While the transit agencies have been successful
in recent years obtaining federal and state grants
to fund green initiatives, additional funding is
needed to implement the strategies included in
this plan. Our elected officials should continue
to support increased funding for public transportation and environmental initiatives at the federal
and state levels that will allow the region’s transit
system to improve its emissions efficiency and
become more environmentally sustainable.
As transit ridership continues to grow, fewer
cars will travel on the region’s roads and roadway
congestion will be reduced. Choosing transit
over driving helps reduce the region’s carbon
footprint. All residents, employees and visitors
are encouraged to continue making the Chicago
region more environmentally sustainable by
riding transit whenever possible.
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Transit: An Essential Green Investment Strategy
17
20
Summar y of Initiatives
Acknowledgements
Grow Ridership and Market Share
�
�
�
�
�
Expand availability and dissemination of real-time information
Modernize fare payment systems
Bring system to a State of Good Repair
Build infill rail stations
Develop new regional park & ride facilities
�
�
�
�
Expand Bus-on-Shoulder Program
Implement Bus Rapid Transit and Arterial Rapid Transit projects
Implement transit capacity improvement and extension
projects
Expand operating coverage area based on market demand
Promote Transit-Oriented Development
�
�
�
�
Expand TOD education outreach to development and
lending community
Develop new TOD education materials
Update Pace’s Development Guidelines
Work with municipalities to update zoning ordinances and
codes
�
�
�
RTA would like to acknowledge the contributions of the following organizations:
Work with municipalities to streamline TOD entitlement
processes
Active Transportation Alliance
Chicago Department of Transportation
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
Farr Associates
Illinois Department of Transportation
Metra
Chicago Transit Authority
Delta Institute
Environmental Law and Policy Center
Metropolitan Mayors Caucus
Pace
Sierra Club (Illinois Chapter)
Work with CMAP on implementing the Local Technical
Assistance Program
Enhance coordination with other agencies to leverage
resources
Improve Operational Efficiency
�
�
�
�
�
Pilot CTA electric buses
�
Study and pilot more fuel and emissions-efficient
locomotives and buses
�
Expand implementation of LED train signals, where feasible
Conduct study on optimizing electricity consumption of
heavy rail and existing electric commuter rail
Install energy building management systems and energy
management software
�
�
Install energy-efficient lighting and control systems, and
retrofit lighting fixtures, where applicable
Improve energy efficiency of elevators and escalators
during modernization projects
Implement power-saving features on computers and other
electronics, where applicable
Study benefits and costs of potential opportunities for the
generation and use of renewable energy or the purchase of
renewable energy credits
Green the Transit System
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
Install diesel particulate filters on CTA and Pace buses
Optimize regional traffic signal system
Expand Transit Signal Priority
Install AESS on all Metra locomotives
Continue compliance with anti-idling laws and policies
for revenue and non-revenue fleet
Pilot exhaust after-treatment technologies on diesel
locomotives
Install water building management systems and improve
metering of water usage
Implement stormwater management initiatives at
applicable new and existing sites
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
Improve efficiency of vehicle wash systems
Retrofit water fixtures at applicable facilities when upgrades
are made
Revise design and construction guidelines for transit facilities.
Develop a framework for incorporating sustainability into the
procurement specifications for agency departments
Perform cost and life-cycle analysis to determine whether to
expand use of environmentally-friendly materials
Pilot new rail and road materials with right of way partners
where appropriate
Expand use of green cleaning products where appropriate
Increase use of digital processing and filing
Other
�
�
Expand promotion and marketing of transit as an
environmentally friendly mode of transportation
Conduct regular energy and water audits
�
�
Further pursue recognition for implementing best practices,
where applicable
Educate agency staff on sustainability best practices
www.rtachicago.com
@rtachicago
RTA
www.transitchicago.com
Chicago Transit Authority (CTA)
www.metrarail.com
@Metra
www.pacebus.com
@pacesuburbanbus
Pace Suburban Bus
(Regional Transportation Authority - NE Illinois)
Pace Suburban Bus
The Chicago Regional Green Transit Plan
Summary of Initiatives
19